Porter And Colin Stokes: A Comparative Analysis

Both Tony Porter and Colin Stokes questions the what it means to be a man. They both have their own definitions, but both men agree that maybe the young boys are not being taught how to be a real man by society and media. Tony Porter goes back to his own childhood and talks about how he was taught how to be a man, and Colin Stokes reflects on how his son and daughter are being impressed upon by movies and media. Tony Porter starts by describing his background and the environment he was raised in and how that shaped the ideas of himself and other young men close to him. To Tony Porter, growing up in New York City as a man meant you needed to be dominant, physical, no emotions (except anger), leaders, strong, aggression, and of higher value than women. Porter describes experiences with his daughter and son also. He explains that if his daughter cries she can cry all she wants on his lap until she feels better, but for his son if he cried there was not much consoling. Porter states that his actions may have carried over from his father’s parenting style. Porter wants to change the mold of what it means

I see more parents and leaders still imprinting on children the harsh and strong version of a man. This may not be the fault of the parents, but of generations before. The behavior has been passed down from parents to children, but the times and circumstances are changing and men do not need to assert dominance or aggression on anyone. It is important for parents to break the cycle of teaching young men and women how to act based on their gender. The gender roles of parents have almost dissipated due increases in women working. Wages and money security are no longer up to the man and that is okay. In the past, it would be frowned upon for the women figure in the family to make more than the male figure. The male would then be considered to be weak, but society is changing that